Meteorite
Meteor Crater, Arizona
Since 1978, the extinction of the dinosaurs has largely been attributed to cosmic intervention in the form of an enormous meteorite impact on the Earth 65 million years ago. Discovered by scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez, Frank Asaro, and Helen Michel, a thin layer of the exceedingly rare element iridium (commonly found in meteorites) forms a boundary worldwide between Cretaceous deposits and those of the Tertiary period, apparently the global fallout from a devastating collision with a large extraterrestrial body. Heat trapped on the planet’s surface by the dense atmospheric debris may have raised global temperatures, killing off the majority of land and sea organisms in a single catastrophic event. The gigantic Xixulub crater in Yucatan, Mexico was blasted by such an impact around the time of the Cretaceous extinction.
Most meteorites come from the vicinity of the asteroid belt, the orbiting fragments of metal and rock which are the remnants of a failed planet and of the actual creation of our solar system some 4.6 billion years ago. About 22,000 years ago this meteorite, composed of 95% pure iron, left a crater over 3,600 feet wide and 525 feet deep. A fragment of the original meteorite, this pristine relic of the formation of the solar system was found in the famous depression of Meteor Crater, Arizona. Private collection.
Below is a link to the video, The Asteroid That Killed the Dinosaurs, watch it and learn.
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Each Friday we highlight a different artifact or fossil from MoAW's collection. With over 250 currently on display, with rotating exhibits and future acquisitions, we won't run out of pieces to spotlight anytime soon.
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Next Week: It's your turn.
Do you have a favorite piece at MoAW you would like to see highlighted in our weekly email? You can visit www.moaw.org, chose the collections tab, visit the catalogs and state your choice on the link below.
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The Latest MoAW
In the News
It seems the only thing in the news each day has to do with COVID-19. We need happy news, something to make us smile and laugh. While we are all going through this lock down together,
MoAW
, each week, in addition to letting you know what is happening with us will include a video to make you smile and laugh. This week we have
Go back to the 1960's amd watch Batman dance the Batusi to Defeat King Tut.
Click below to watch, smile and laugh.
During this slow news cycle we are resharing articles that tell more about MoAW and how it came to the Coachella Valley. Click below to read the article from Sensi Magazine,
After Traveling the Globe Alberto Acosta Has Finally Found a Home for His Treasures and for Himself in the Coachella Valley.
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Thank You to Our Supporters
During
"The Pause"
some of our supporters have been donating through the website. We want to thank them for helping with expenses that are still there while we are
"Paused,"
rent, utilities, etc. Thank You for ensuring we will be back with lots to offer.
At this time, please consider helping
MoAW
during
"The Pause"
and please check if your employer has a matching gift program, many do it for retirees also.
Thank you
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Membership in MoAW,
A Great Way to Help.
Since the museum has been closed due to the Covid-19 virus we have seen friends and supporters step up to help by becoming members of MoAW and some members upgrading their level of membership.
THANK YOU
Membership means a lot to the museum, financial it helps pay the rent, mentally it helps make our day when we see someone join and support us. Membership means a lot to our members. They can visit the museum anytime they want, they get invitations to events, we have some exciting things planned; our Second Friday Fantasy series and a preview opening for the Vessels of the Gods exhibit.
Join now and get two additional months added to your 12 month membership and it will start from when we reopen.
Become a member, go ahead and
make our day
, it will make your day also.
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